Pet hygiene

Information on pet hygiene, including advice on infections and diseases that can be passed from animals to humans.

Animals and pets - sleeping arrangements

Pet owners shouldn't let their animals sleep on their beds or even in their bedroom.

Animals and pets - infections and diseases

About one in two households in the UK has a pet. Cats and dogs are the most common types of pets.

Pet owners need to be aware of the possible spread of diseases from domestic animals.

Infections and diseases can be passed from animals to people, although this rarely occurs. Examples of diseases include:

• Ringworm: a fungal infection of the skin that can be passed on from dogs, cats and hamsters. People who work with animals are more prone to the infection
• Toxocariasis: an infection caused by worms found in dog and cat faeces
• Toxoplasmosis: caused by a parasite found in cat faeces. It can also be found in undercooked and infected meat and can be spread by using contaminated kitchen utensils

The most common way to get an infection from an animal is by being bitten, or by close contact with its faeces.